How did writing begin for you? Was becoming an author always your dream or was it a particular event or incident that gave birth to the author in you?

It was always my dream to be a writer. The dream became stronger when as a child I read Alcott’s Little Women and Johanna Spyri’s Heidi.

How important are the names of the characters in your books to you? Do you spend agonizing hours deciding on their names?

Oh yes. Often I select names and then as the story progresses I end up feeling that the name and the character don’t match. Then I change the name. I must say I love the 'Find and Replace' function in MS Word; such a useful tool.

What is your least favorite part of the publishing/ writing process?

Finding a publisher is the hardest part of the publishing/writing process. So is editing.

What is ‘Wrong for the Right Reasons’all about? How long did it take to complete writing it?

Wrong for the Right Reasons is a story of how a divorcee with two kids finds her feet in society. It is about the growth of this sheltered woman, her challenges and triumphs.

Who is your favorite character in the book and why?

That has to be Ketaki or Kitty, the daughter of the main character. She is bold, vibrant and rebellious. For Kitty I took her mother Shyamoli’s boldness and added angst and rebelliousness. It brought the girl to life.

Do share a snippet/ Quote from your book.

"The hardest lesson to learn is not that people you think you can't live without can live without you. The hardest lesson to learn is that sometimes to stay sane you have to give up the people you love. You have to cut them out of your life ruthlessly or they will destroy you."

Is there a certain type of scene that is harder for you to write than others? Did you face such an issue while writing ‘Wrong for the Right Reasons’?

I can’t do love stories. I find romance over-rated and boring. So I simply don’t write conventional love stories.

What is your method of writing? Are you a plotter or a pantser?

A mix of both.

Do you read your reviews? Do you respond to them, good or bad? Do you have any advice on how to deal with the bad?

I am obsessed with reviews of my books. Writing is a solitary profession, and we are often out of touch with our readership. I love getting feedback that reviews provide. It really helps me improve my craft.

What are the three tips you have for readers who are aspiring writers?

1) Read great authors, they’re masters of the craft. It will help in your writing.

2) Write at least 500 words every day. Save it on your computer. Read it after a month. It helps you improve your style.

3) Observe how people behave. It helps bringing depth to the characters you write about.

Shyamoli Verma’s timing is wrong. In her late twenties, she finds that her marriage is irrevocably broken. She comes back to her parents with her pre-teen son and an infant daughter, only to find that she is unwelcome. Independent and brash, she decides to bring up her children and also get a divorce without any support from friends and family. Written with wry self-deprecating humour, this is the story of a divorced woman's quest for love and security.